The Emotional Rollercoaster
The first day after my NEET result, I was in complete disbelief—top of the world, but in denial. I couldn’t bring myself to fully accept the result, so much so that I asked five of my friends to check for me. Before bed, I checked it again, and again the next morning, just to confirm. It was surreal; I kept wondering, Is this really happening?
The emotions I felt are not too different from when I got my admission in surgical gastroenterology; the reality takes a while to sink in. But here we are, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Thank you so much for your kind words and for being such a source of inspiration.
Overcoming Setbacks: A Journey of Perseverance
When you called me yesterday, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I can’t express how proud I am to have been your student, and to now stand here with such an accomplishment. Your guidance truly shaped this journey.
For those wondering about my journey, I began my medical studies at Grant Medical College in 2013. In 2019, I pursued my MS in General Surgery at Moolanazad Medical College (MAMC), where I completed one year of senior residency. In my first NEET attempt, I ranked 182, which wasn’t enough for my dream college or branch. So, I decided to give it another shot.
The key mistakes I identified from my previous attempt were: not revising enough, not solving enough MCQs, and not thoroughly going through the critical books like Bailey & Love. These mistakes shaped my strategy for my second attempt.
From Residency to Full-Time Preparation
After realizing the gaps in my first attempt, I resumed my senior residency, but in July, I made the decision to leave my job and dedicate myself fully to preparation for the next two months. While doing residency, I managed about 6-8 hours of study daily, but as the exam approached, I pushed myself to study 12-14 hours a day.
One of the most crucial elements of my preparation was the Decathlon Test Series. The weekly high-quality mock tests really pushed me. Initially, I was frustrated when my rank wasn’t improving, and I remember constantly reaching out to you for reassurance. But you kept telling me to trust the process.
Week after week, test after test, I could see gradual improvement. I was particularly struggling with remembering tables, but your advice to focus on stepwise learning of those tables helped me overcome that hurdle. Eventually, I started gaining the confidence that I could rank under 50, and here we are.
The Power of Trusting the Process
It wasn’t just about the test marks; it was about bringing my best on the actual exam day, which you always emphasized. And that’s what mattered most in the end. For anyone reading this, remember that it’s all about consistency. Stick to your goal, don’t let temporary hurdles pull you down, and trust in the process.
Advice for Future NEET Aspirants
For those preparing for NEET, whether it’s your first attempt or if you’re retaking the exam, there are three pillars you must focus on: reading, solving MCQs, and revision. All three are equally important. If you neglect even one, you’ll face setbacks. I learned this the hard way during my first attempt.
In addition, the test series prepares you for unexpected papers, much like the one this year. Decathlon Test Series helped me handle lengthy and out-of-the-box questions. Even with exclusion-based answering, I managed to solve multiple questions, thanks to those practice sessions.
Clinical Acumen and Decision Making
Another thing that contributed significantly to my preparation was my senior residency at MAMC. There, we had a strong culture of case discussions, which sharpened my decision-making skills. Many questions in this year’s NEET required making clinical decisions—whether pre-operative, intra-operative, or post-operative. Those discussions helped me immensely in navigating such questions with confidence.
Balancing Life and Studies: A Day-by-Day Approach
It’s not easy balancing residency, personal life, and NEET preparation. My approach was simple: I set small daily targets. If I achieved 75% of my daily goal, I was satisfied. Some days were harder, especially when my favorite cricket matches were on! But I always made sure to cover up on the next day.
The key is not to think long-term but to focus on small wins—improving test scores, even if it’s just by one or two questions. It’s these little victories that build confidence and keep you going.
Finding the Right Platform: My Experience with Sushruta LGS
I first came across Sushruta LGS through YouTube and a recommendation from a friend. While I didn’t follow the platform religiously at first, after taking the first Decathlon test, I knew I had found the right tool for my preparation. The structured approach, high-quality MCQs, and line-by-line coverage of important textbooks like Bailey & Love were exactly what I needed.
I used to read the textbook first, then solve the LGS MCQs to test my retention. Any missed points were jotted down on sticky notes for my second revision. This method made my revision faster and more efficient, giving me the confidence I needed.
The Impact of Precise Preparation
One of the unique aspects of Sushruta LGS is the precision pointers they provide. These are targeted summaries that help streamline revision, especially when you’re short on time. Thanks to these pointers, I could revise my material within 10-14 days, keeping my preparation on track.
The Role of Emotional Support and Motivation
One of the unique aspects of preparation that cannot be overlooked is how essential it is to have emotional support from friends, family, and colleagues. It’s something that often gets neglected, but it plays a huge role in keeping your mood elevated during the preparation phase. Whether it’s discussing things during a tea break or simply having people around you, it’s crucial for staying motivated.
I genuinely recommend that students, especially those going through intense exam preparation, should surround themselves with the right people and not isolate themselves from their friends. Discussions can be just as important as the study material. They help you refresh and refocus, and they provide a much-needed break from the grind of studying.
As I reflect on my journey from my MS days to seeing my rank on the screen yesterday, I can confidently say that this support system has been invaluable. Having trusted friends by your side to uplift you, even during the toughest days, can make all the difference.
Balancing Work and Studies: A Necessary Approach
As surgeons, we thrive in the operating room, and the joy of performing surgeries often helps in exam preparation. The more you operate, the more confident you feel, and that confidence extends to your studies. Taking a break from surgery, as I did for the last couple of months, was difficult for me. But maintaining a balance between work and studies is vital.
I would advise anyone in this field to work for at least six months before taking a break for final exam preparation. Working not only builds clinical acumen and decision-making skills but also provides financial security, which is crucial at our age. After working, you can dedicate the last couple of months solely to studying, giving it your all.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back, I can confidently say that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. The NEET PG exam is undoubtedly one of the toughest, but once you’ve conquered that, NEET SS feels like an extension of the same journey. Discipline and consistency are the two key factors that will get you through. If you trust yourself and stay committed, you’ll achieve your goal.
The journey to rank 1 wasn’t easy, but it taught me that persistence pays off. Whatever obstacles you face, whether personal or academic, if you stay disciplined and consistent, you will find success. For those preparing for future exams, remember: focus on your goal, and don’t get distracted by temporary hurdles.
The Impact of Sushruta LGS
One of the most significant aspects of my preparation was Sushruta LGS, and especially the Decathlon Test Series, which was a game-changer for me. The high-quality MCQs, structured around important textbooks like Bailey & Love, provided the perfect net practice I needed. The test series didn’t just help me with theory but also boosted my clinical decision-making skills.
The precision pointers provided by the platform were crucial during my revision. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the vast amount of material, these pointers helped me focus and complete my revision efficiently. In addition, the MCQ bank offered by Sushruta LGS is exceptional, allowing me to cross-check my knowledge against the textbooks and identify areas where I was lacking.
Final Reflections and Gratitude
As I stand here today, I must thank those who supported me through this journey. First, my heartfelt thanks go to you, for designing the Decathlon Test Series, which was truly the turning point in my preparation. I also owe so much to my parents, my close friends, and my colleagues, who kept me grounded and sane throughout this challenging time.
Special thanks go to my best friend, Dr. Anjali, and my friends, Dr. Sridhar, Dr. Surya, and Dr. Kavita, for their unwavering support. I am forever grateful to them for keeping me motivated and ensuring I stayed on track. My juniors at MAMC, Dr. Nisha and Dr. Preeti, also played an important role by helping me balance work and studies, and I wish them nothing but success in their own journeys.
Lastly, to anyone reading this who is embarking on a similar path, my message is simple: stay consistent, trust the process, and surround yourself with the right people. There is always light at the end of the tunnel, and with dedication and discipline, you will find success.
